LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 27, 2014) – Kohl's Department Stores, through the Kohl's Cares® cause merchandise program, has donated $69,699 to UK HealthCare Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The donations were collected from Kohl’s stores located in the Lexington area. Kohl’s has donated more than $1,149,815 to KCH since 2001.

Kentucky Children’s Hospital is hosting a Read To Your Baby party from 5 to 6:30 p.m. today at Hallis School, 915 Murray Drive in Lexington, to celebrate the donation and to help build excitement for learning and reading for parents and preschoolers. The event is open to the public.

“The earlier you start reading to your children, the greater the effect on their language skills,” said Dr. Donna Grigsby, Chief of General Pediatrics at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. “Many different studies have shown the long-term benefits of listening to stories for babies in language development, brain development and relationship building.” This event launches the Kohl’s Read to Your Baby program, which will have events and a media campaign across Kentucky throughout the year.

Clifford the Big Red Dog, Scratch (UK Wildcats mascot) and Stitches (Kentucky Children’s Hospital mascot) will give out books and pose in pictures at the Read To Your Baby party. There will also be crafts, food, drinks, reading activities and the opportunity for each child to receive a book.

Kohl's commitment to Kentucky Children’s Hospital of Lexington is made possible through the Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and plush toys, with 100 percent of net profit benefiting children’s health and education programs nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one.